Watch as we surprise Janette Walker, this year’s deserving recipient of the Willan Award, which honours outstanding service to the BC Choral Federation. Janette was president of the BCCF board from 2018-2020, Past President from 2020 to 2022, and chair of the Seniors Portfolio – among other official and non-official roles within the organization.

Below is a copy of a speech read by 2021 Willan Award recipient Gloria Brooks, which sums up Janette’s immense contributions:

Having received the 2021 Willan Award, it is my very pleasant duty to be part of today’s presentation to our newest Willan Council member.

The recipient of this year’s Willan Award spent the early years in North Vancouver, later moving with parents to Prince George. During childhood and teen years, the person in question studied piano, took part in music festivals and many other musical events, and has continued tinkling the ivories as pianist and accompanist ever since. 

After graduating from high school in Coquitlam, this individual attended UVic and Simon Fraser University, received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education and became a much-loved elementary classroom teacher. 

This person had a full career of teaching in the Lower Mainland/Coquitlam area, augmented with accompanist duties for many school events, weekly church services and musical theatre productions. 

About fifteen years ago, this individual transitioned from being  ‘a city person and became a cowgirl’ as she (Oh, the cat’s out of the bag now!) and her husband David moved to Kamloops, upon purchasing a 10 acre property. There are cows and of course baby calves that this individual loves to name, and on their property she has created a beautiful and enviable garden!

You may already have guessed the name of the person I’m speaking about, the one who is being honoured today – I’m sure her ears are burning! Yes, it is our Past-President, Janette Walker!

I shall carry on …

Through all her teaching and musical endeavors over the years, Janette’s pure inner qualities have enhanced all she has done and blessed all who have known her. She has a depth of understanding of people and situations which she has used to create her life’s path. 

A fellow teacher from Coquitlam, Karen Mende, says she is so appreciative of Janette’s wonderful ability to mentor. She has offered so much, not only to the many new student teachers who came her way, but also to tenured teachers.

Her long-time dear friend, Linda Bryson speaks of Janette as a woman of faith who loves meeting people; she is empathetic, loving, loyal and hospitable. She is always on the go – a leader with management and organizational skills, Janette is up for anything! She has trained for and run a marathon, has learned to tap dance, is an animal lover and advocate and is generous and charitable in all she does. She is creative in so many ways, loves to read and learn and is always living her best life! 

From Kamloops, June McClure writes that when they met, singing in a choir of course, they seemed to be kindred spirits with a similar love of music. They were soon revising the By-laws and Constitution of their choir, which led to the planning committee for the Senior Chorfest in 2013 which Kamloops hosted, to revision of the Red Book, a manual for Senior Chorfest planners, to Board secretary. She has outstanding secretarial and organizational skills, creative ideas and an attitude of “Get er’ done” – well. She was also accompanist for the Kamloops Happy Choristers for several years and for the Jeweltones, a women’s singing group. 

In addition, Janette became the Thompson/Cariboo Regional rep for the BC Choral Federation, stirring up interest in choral singing with her newsletters, Lifelong Singers, organizing workshops and generally creating an atmosphere of enjoyment in singing. All this led to her major involvement on the Executive of the BCCF, first as Vice President, and then President where she wove her magic.

BCCF Past-President and former chair of the Advocacy Committee, David Stewart in Argenta writes: From the get-go, Janette was on top of the game.  She made a point of connecting with all the BCCF board members, especially with those who were designated as Regional Directors. Janette exemplifies what the song ‘You Gotta’ Have Heart’ says – ‘miles and miles and miles of heart’. That’s Janette!

David concludes by saying – We were blessed with her presidency, and she carries on as Past President. And now we are so glad to have her as part of the Willan Council! 

From all of us – our heartfelt Congratulations to Janette Walker, the 2022 recipient of the BCCF Willan Award and newest member of the Willan Council!

This award was presented live on May 28, 2022 during the Chorfest 2022 online broadcast. Special thanks to Don Renfrew in Kamloops for his generous assistance and preparation in making this a surprise!